JUST IN: Aircraft Loses Engine Mid-air After Departing Abuja Airport

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) says it has launched an investigation into a serious incident involving an Abuja-Accra bound flight that experienced a technical difficulties midair.

The aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA), experienced technical difficulties during its flight on December 6 2024.

Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji director, public affairs and family assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau in a statement on Sunday noted that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number 2 indication issue.

The statement also revealed that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.

Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC. There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) wishes to inform the public that it has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft with registration number 5NKAL. The aircraft, operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA), experienced technical difficulties during its flight on December 6 2024.

Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft, with four persons on board (three crew members and one passenger), was climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280 when the crew reported an engine number 2 indication issue. The aircraft was at a position approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK at 17:54 UTC when the crew requested a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication. The request was promptly granted, and the aircraft was cleared to descend to flight level 190.

During the descent, the aircraft experienced the loss of engine No.2 at flight level 230. The crew elected to return to Abuja. On approaching Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, at approximately 5,000 feet, the crew declared Mayday, stating they had lost Engine No.1. The crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC. There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.

The NSIB has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the engine malfunction and the subsequent loss of both engines. Our Go Team is gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records to uncover underlying causes. This investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.